Our Role | Institute for Higher Education Research and Development

Leading the Reform, Empowering the Future with AI.

The establishment of the Institute for Higher Education Research and Development (IHERD) marks a turning point for PolyU and the future of higher education. Supporting the PolyU Education 4.0 initiative – an AI-empowered, student-centred learning and teaching model that envisions a future where technology supports interactive, flexible, and personalised learning, IHERD serves as the central hub for the education transformation at PolyU.

We are a young and vibrant research and development central unit that positions PolyU as a leading education innovator on the world stage, and supports the University’s transformation into a future-ready institution.

IHERD_Structure_Fin

IHERD brings together a unique synergy of three teams, Digital Transformation Division (DTD), Education Research Centre (ERC) and Education Development Centre (EDC) that drives educational transformation, from digital adoption and cutting-edge pedagogical research to AI-powered teaching innovations.

DTD

Digital Transformation Division

We lead the Digital Transformation initiatives within the University, ensuring cohesive implementation of PolyU E4.0, from strategy, execution, to stakeholders’ collaboration.

ERC

Educational Research Centre

We pioneer education research, frontier technologies and tools, pedagogical innovation and curriculum reform, AI policy, and academic integrity.

EDC

Educational Development Centre

We advance faculty development and support quality education by providing training in AI and digital literacy/skills, and by conducting surveys and data analysis.